Mullendore takes seat as new Belding city manager

Wednesday

Apr 10, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 10, 2013 at 4:45 PM

Desires to make city a destination

Karin Armbrusterkarin.armbruster@sentinel-standard.com

In her first week as the new Belding city manager and with a goal to be the city's longest serving manager, Margaret Mullendore said she feels confident and prepared to move the area in a positive, forward motion.

"I want to see so many great things happening over the decades," said Mullendore, adding she is looking forward to being part of the solution and the change to make progress happen. "My focus is to really become a part of the community."

She said she wants to see Belding thrive and grow economically and take advantage of its assets that are underutilized, including the natural resources and the Belrockton Museum.

"I would really like to make (Belding) more of a destination," Mullendore said.

She said the incoming Rails to Trails project will be a great way to start, as well as marketing what the city already has to showcase.

As for the city budget, Mullendore said she looks to be cost effective and efficient by not only tightening the city's belt, but by submitting grant applications and thinking outside the box for additional ideas.

"Fiscally, I'm conservative with taxpayer dollars," she added.

In addition, she said she makes sure she is prepared when questions are asked by city council members about proposals because she wants the council to make a sound, educated decision based on her recommendation.

"An informed council is a council that makes the best decisions," Mullendore added.

Originally from Greenville, Mullendore said she feels happy to be back in the area which she loves and believes she will be an honest and trustworthy city manager.

"I am so excited to be here," she added. "I can't see myself doing anything but this. I want to master every component of this arena."

She said she is pleased to have received a warm welcome by many in Belding, which has helped make the transition easier and more productive.

Mullendore was selected for the city manager position following two interviews with the members of Belding City Council. She will receive a starting salary of $72,500 and upon receiving a "satisfactory" evaluation rating at six months she will receive an additional $2,500 to the salary. Council also agreed to allow 45 cents per mile for city business purposes, two weeks vacation, life insurance, health insurance, retirement, sick and holiday pay. Her contract was approved for two years.

Before accepting the position in Belding, Mullendore said she worked in the engineering department within the city of Grand Rapids and was the city manager for both Buchanan and Cassopolis.